Can roots grow through pvc pipe?

No, but they can grow through a crack or a broken joint.
Why do you ask?

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Originally Posted by hkstroud

No, but they can grow through a crack or a broken joint.
Why do you ask?

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Toilet won't flush properly... removed toilet roots in pipe and under toilet

Check for cracked or broken drain pipe, good luck.

John

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removed toilet roots in pipe and under toilet

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Well, that's pretty bad.

I would guess that the toilet in next to an exterior wall and that there is a tree outside the bathroom.

You are going to have to snake the lines and clear the roots, them pour some copper sulfate down the drain periodically.
The plumber that snakes the line may be able to tell you how far away the roots. You may have to run a camera down the line to see the break.

Look outside for a clean out. It may be broken or cracked or cap may be missing. If you don't see a clean out look for signs of where one may have been in the past. Roots may be from a tree or from shrubbery.

I have seen many times that roots grow under toilet, around closet ring, over it, and inside the pipe. Once inside, the expand and can grow many feet with the flow. Remove toilet and check for any roots around. If you find roots, you have to kill them or seal the opening around the pipe with concrete

Milo